Top talent on show in MCG curtain raiser
THE top 2017 & 2018 draft prospects will be on show at the MCG on Sunday, playing as a curtain raiser to the Carlton and Essendon clash.
The match features selected Level One and Level Two AFL Academy players, who have been split up into two teams.
The two teams have been named after previous AFL Academy graduates ‘Team Jacob Weitering’ and ‘Team Joe Daniher,’ who will both play in the game following the Academy match.
‘Team Weitering’ will be coached by AFL Academy assistant coach and former North Melbourne player Nick Dal Santo, while AFL Academy coach Luke Power will be at the helm for ‘Team Daniher.’
Midfielder Lochie O’Brien and Darcy Fogarty headline ‘Team Weitering,’ with the pair both expected to be hot prospects as the season goes on. Their squad is packed full of talls, including Sandringham Dragons bottom-age talls Max and Ben King, as well as strong forwards Connor Ballenden and Jarrod Brander.
Western Bulldogs 2018 father-son Rhylee West (son of Scott) will also take part in the contest.
Eastern Ranges possible top five picks Joel Garner and Jaidyn Stephenson will headline ‘Team Daniher,’ which includes Tasmanian bottom-age star Tarryn Thomas.
Thomas was Tasmania’s MVP at both the Under 16 and the Under 18 Championships in 2016 and is linked to North Melbourne apart of their Next Generation Academy.
Richmond possible father-son selection Patrick Naish (son of Chris) impressed with two goals and 20 disposals for the Northern Knights on the weekend and Tiger fans will be hoping he continues this form through the season.
The game begins on 12.10pm on Sunday, with the AFL Academy to play a further game against the Northern Blues on April 15.
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